Artificial intelligence, new materials, functionalities, and future skills: the major transformation topics in the industry are drawing closer. At Interpack 2026, which will take place in Düsseldorf, Germany, from May 7 to 13, visitors will gain crucial inspiration and make important contacts. Around 2,800 exhibitors from all over the world are preparing to present their latest developments and pave the way for a globally networked industry.
Interpack as a source of inspiration for the industry
“Interpack 2026 is more important than ever,” says Interpack Director Thomas Dohse. “Against the backdrop of profound transformation across many sectors, a wide range of topics are on the agenda, including AI, automation, new regulations, the need for future skills, and innovative materials. Now is the time to take action together.”
Exhibitors at Interpack 2026
The exhibitors at Interpack 2026 underscore the importance of personal encounters for their own business. A total of around 2,800 companies from more than 60 countries are expected to attend, covering almost all areas of the value chain. This makes Interpack the central meeting place for machine builders, technology providers, material manufacturers, and service providers in the packaging industry.
Robotics, intelligent image processing, and cloud-based controls for production processes
In the food, beverage, consumer goods, and industrial goods sector, companies such as Coesia Group, Duravant, Gerhard Schubert, Ishida, KHS, Krones, Multivac, Syntegon Technology, and Ulma Packaging occupy six halls (11-14 as well as 5 and 6). The focus here will be on topics such as automation, resource efficiency, modular plant concepts, and digitalization. Visitors will be able to experience live how robotics, intelligent image processing, and cloud-based control systems are revolutionizing production processes.
For the confectionery and bakery industry, Aasted, Sollich, Theegarten-Pactec, and Sacmi Packaging & Chocolate, among others, will be exhibiting in Halls 1, 3, and 4. The focus here is on efficient and flexible solutions for industrial confectionery and bakery production, including innovative packaging technologies, energy-saving production lines, and automated quality controls.
Filling and packaging lines for pharmaceutical production
In the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry, companies such as Ima Industria Macchine, the Marchesini Group, and Optima will be presenting their portfolios in Halls 15 to 17. On display will be high-precision filling and packaging lines for sensitive products, flexible solutions for serialization and tracking, and sustainable packaging materials that meet increasing regulatory requirements.
End products for packaging at Interpack 2026
Halls 7, 7a, 8a, 9, and 10 will play a central role. Around 1,000 exhibitors will be presenting materials and end products for packaging there. This makes it the world's most important packaging trade fair. New solutions for sustainable packaging materials, innovative barrier materials, recyclable packaging, and smart labels will be on display. Companies such as Bericap, Jokey, Metsä, Sappi Europe, and Schütz will demonstrate how material innovations can combine sustainability and functionality.
Interpack exhibitors showcase labeling and marking technology
Labeling and marking technology will also be prominently featured in Halls 8a and 8b. Bluhm Systeme, Domino Printing Sciences, and Totani will present technologies for high-precision labeling, digital printing solutions, and flexible marking systems that ensure traceability, transparency, and efficiency along the supply chain.
Background: Global dynamics and opportunities
The processing and packaging industry is benefiting from rising demand: population growth, urbanization, and changing consumer habits are leading to a growing need for packaged food and pharmaceuticals. At the same time, companies are facing challenges such as limited raw materials, complex regulations, uncertain supply chains, and a shortage of skilled workers. “In such a dynamic market situation, a global summit like interpack is a central source of impetus and therefore of particular value,” says Richard Clemens, Managing Director of the Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association within the VDMA. “Here, solutions are presented that contribute to conserving resources, making processes more efficient, and securing long-term competitiveness along the entire value chain. Those who want to actively shape change need innovative technologies and a smart strategic orientation because only in this way can ecological and economic challenges be successfully overcome.”
The forecasts are positive: global sales of packaged food are expected to rise from 872 million tons in 2024 to 968 million tons in 2029. The production value of the pharmaceutical industry is expected to grow by 24 percent from €1.9 trillion over the same period.
